Hit to Boeing Depends on When 787s Fly Again

By

Jon Ostrower

Updated Jan. 17, 2013 6:47 p.m. ET

The decision by global aviation regulators to temporarily ground Boeing Co.'s 787 Dreamliner has already delivered the worst bruise in decades to the aerospace giant's image. Whether it exacts a significant financial toll will take longer to tell.

If the Federal Aviation Administration—which ordered a halt to all U.S. Dreamliner flights on Wednesday, triggering similar moves around the world—clears the aircraft to begin flying again soon with a simple modification, any damage to Boeing could be limited to its reputation....